Sometimes known as the 'way of similars', the
principle of homeopathy is to give the patient a minute dose of a substance
which is known to induce the condition. For example, it was originally
discovered that taking regular doses of quinine caused malaria-like
symptoms; therefore, quinine should be used to cure malaria. Similarly, an
old wives' tale advocates rubbing chilblains with snow, or using stinging
nettles to treat swollen joints. Medicines prepared homeopathically
stimulate the body's own healing mechanism. Homeopathy has many devotees,
notably the Royal Family.

History
Developed in Germany in the 18th century, homeopathy is based on the notion
that 'like cures like', first acknowledged by Hippocrates, 'the father of
medicine' in the 5th century BC. It is said that the body's 'vital force',
which maintains health, is jeopardised under stress, resulting in illness.
Symptoms of ill health are signs that the body is using its natural ability
of self-healing. Homeopathic treatment augments and stimulates this process.

What to Expect
A homeopath needs to know about you, the person, before treatment. Many
aspects of your life contribute to your state of health. In addition to your
medical history, the practitioner will want to know about your lifestyle and
your general activity level. They are interested in even quite bizarre
symptoms which may hold a key to your eventual remedy. Your homeopathic
remedy will be usually in the form of tablets, and sometimes powders.
Sometimes patients experience a worsening of the condition, before
amelioration. This is good! - it shows the right remedy was choosen,
although your homeopath may adjust the dilution. Homeopathic medicines cause
no side effects and you cannot become addicted to them.

Training & Colleges
Medical doctors often take courses in homeopathy. Non medical homoepaths
usually will have completed a three-year, full-time course and a year in
supervised practice.

Professional Bodies
National Center for Homeopathy (NCH)
801 North Fairfax Street, Suite 306
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
(877) 624-0613 (703) 548-7790 fax: (703) 548-7792
email: info@homeopathic.org
website:
http://www.homeopathic.org
The NCH is an information organization which provides information to the
public on homeopathy via a monthly subscription magazine (geared for the
general public), summer classes on classical homeopathy (to developing
professionals), and a phone hotline. They have an annual conference each
year in which they present two tracks of seminars: one for the the general
public, and one for professionals.

North American Society of Homeopaths (NASH)
1122 East Pike Street, Suite 1122
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 720-7000
fax (206) 329-5684
email: nashinfo@aol.com
website:
http://www.homeopathy.org
NASH is the professional organization for homeopaths in the US and Canada.
Becoming a registered member (RS Hom) requires completion of the CHC exam,
and at least two years of experience in private practice. NASH focuses on
issues related to the development of homeopathy as a profession in North
America. This includes, for example, homeopathic education, malpractice
insurance for homeopaths, insurance coverage/wellness programs that cover
some of the cost of homeopathic care, and legislation related to the
practice of homeopathy.

Council for Homeopathic Certification (CHC)
P.O. Box 460190
San Francisco, CA 94146
(415) 789-7677
email:
chcmail@homeopathy-council.org
website:
http://www.homeopathy-council.org
The CHC is a board of homeopathic professionals that offers certification to
professional classical homeopaths. To quality for the certification exam,
homeopaths must first complete at least 500 hours of formal education (or
complete a mentor-ship program, or some combination of both - see the CHC
application for details), completion of Physiology, Anatomy, Clinical
Diagnosis, and CPR, at least two years of practice experience, and a
write-up of five cases they have treated for at least six months. The exam
itself is seven hours and includes case analysis, materia medica, repertory,
homeopathic philosophy, and clinical judgement (e.g. when to send the client
to the emergency room, or back to their MD for further testing). CHC
certification does not take the place of licensing, but it does ensure that
the individual receiving the certification has received some minimum level
of education and experience.

Faculty of Homeopathy & British Homeopathic Association
15, Clerkenwell Close
London
EC1R 0AA
tel 0207566 7810
fax 020 7566 7815
email: info@trusthomeopathy.org
website:
http://www.trusthomeopathy.org
This is the association for medically qualified practitioners and is
regulated by the GMC.

On-line homeopathic repertory
www.webhomeopath.comWebhomeopath, Org. Reg. No 556448-2049.
The aim of Webhomeopath is to simplify and improve homeopathy
as a form of therapy.
The vision is that more people will be helped by homeopathy
and thus spreading the therapy as a serious form of treatment.

Webhomeopath's target group consists of therapists, nursing personnel
and physicians, working with or interested in working with homeopathy.